Originally Posted by FlyGuy99

This is exactly it man. I don’t have a military background, but did exact same with my students. And for the other poster, may I add that not only was I in a “CFI bubble” but have experience flying literally all over this country including Hawaii (IFR and VFR) in all different types of busy airspace. I have low altitude pipeline experience, mountainous terrain, etc. And in all different types of single and multi-engine airplanes. Not trying to build a resume, but proving a point that hand flying and decision making comes from time building experience. Not after a checkride regardless 61 or 141.